Voces del Prado

The First Photocopier

Francisco Manso Guerrero, Gallery attendant and Clerical Support, 1966-1991

I remember when they brought the photocopier, because there wasn’t one before. They installed one downstairs. And suddenly everyone would ask, “look, can you do me this book”, “do me whatever”, “look, can you photocopy this book for me?” And we told them it wasn’t possible. Until they said, “look, that’s the end of that!” After that you were only allowed to photocopy a few pages, just a minimum number. Even the curators had to pay. There were some who abused the system, but others didn’t. The copier was there for everyone to use in case they needed it. But some abused the system and it was impossible. I remember that Doña Manuela told me, “make these four or five photocopies”, and she didn’t want to pay. At that time she was Doña Manolita. But neither her nor any conservator should have had to pay. But there’s always someone who abuses the system, so they set some limits. The same thing happened with the telephones, because someone abused the privilege and they had to restrict them. There always have to be problems.